Big Ol' Books of DC Fluffshots

Cherry Lemonade - Jason Todd

You loved going outside at night and exploring the limitations of what Gotham had to offer. You were warned to stay away from Crime Alley, you knew the danger it held, but you just couldn't shake your curiosity. Besides, you were confident enough in your ability to defend yourself.

It wasn't particularly late that day, only around five. Even with the sun just barely going down though, someone decided to pickpocket you. Which then made you chase said pickpocket. It didn't take much for you to catch up with him and get him down. Which is how you realized he was just about your age.

Your anger was replaced with curiosity as you swiped your wallet from his hand and slipped it back into your pocket. You should probably invest in a chain wallet. Next time you may not get robbed by a thirteen year old boy. You kept a firm grip on his arm as you did so. You soon frowned though, taking note of how thin he looked. "Here," you started as you finally released him from your hold, "come on, I know a place where we can get something to eat. My treat."

He seemed hesitant to come with you. You started walking away, soon hearing another pair of feet follow your footsteps. You wanted to look behind you, but that would've been awkward and almost desperate seeming. Though, when you actually got to where you wanted to be, you did look beside you and smile at him as you open the door for him.

The place you took him to was a café you frequented. You lead him to your table and took a seat in front of him. "So, what do you want?" "Anything is okay, I guess. Whatever you reccomend." "Hmm. Are scones and a cherry lemonade okay?" "Sure." You nodded, standing up and walking towards the counter.

You ordered and got your items soon after, thanking the barista and paying with a twenty, leaving a five as a tip. You walked back over to the table, placing down his lemonade and scone in front of him before placing yours in front of you as you sat down.

"Thank you, uh.." "My name is [Name]." "Jason." He replied with a nod, taking a bite of his scone. You took a sip of your lemonade, letting the sweet flavor soak into your tongue before swallowing. Jason then asked, "So, what's with you? It's not everyday somebody gets robbed and then takes their robber to a café."

You laughed a little, placing your glass back down. "It's not everyday somebody's robber is a guy just around their age who is also remarkably skinny and looking in need of actual food." "Ah, so that's why you did it." "That, and you really didn't seem like that bad of a guy." "Um, I robbed you?" "And you hardly gave much fight when I took my wallet back."

"You should really put a chain on that thing." "I know. I was just thinking about that when walking you over here." The two of you laughed as you finally took a bite of your scone. You swallowed, before your tone became just a little more serious. "Why are you stealing anyways? I mean I have an idea, but I feel like there's more here."

Jason frowned, putting the lemonade he was drinking down with a sigh. "My parents are gone. My mother got really sick and we couldn't afford to help her, while my father just up and vanished one day. Considering who he worked with, he probably died as well. He worked for Two-Face."

You suddenly frowned. "Jason...I'm so sorry about that." "It's not your fault." "Sure, but are you okay? Is there anything I can do for you?" "Believe me, what you're doing here is more than enough." You shook your head. "It's really not-" "Yes, it is. Relax, I'm not your responsibility." He was right about that. It really wasn't up to you to fix his life.

"Alright." By that time, you had both finished your scones and the lemonade, starting your walk towards the door. "Thanks again, [Name]. Most people who manage to get their wallets back just kick me and run." "Damn!" "Yeah." "Hey," you said when he was just about to run off. "Meet me here tomorrow, okay? I wanna talk to you more."